Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STUDY OF THE LEAF, STEM AND ROOT OF BHRINGARAJA (ECLIPTA ALBA LINN.) CULTIVATED THROUGH HYDROPONICS SYSTEM - NUTRIENT FILM TECHNIQUE (NFT)

Dr. Dhaval Prajapati*, Dr. Dharmendra P. Jani

ABSTRACT

Background: Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba (L.)) is a widely used medicinal herb in Ayurveda, known for its Rasayana and Keshya properties. It balances Pitta and Vata Doshas and is cited across classical texts like Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya for treating conditions such as Pandu, Kamala, Khalitya, Palitya, Kasa, and Shwasa. As global demand for food increases and arable land decreases, hydroponic cultivation offers a viable solution to maintain productivity. Among various hydroponic systems, the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) ensures a continuous flow of nutrient-rich solution over plant roots, promoting optimal growth, enhanced nutrient uptake, and improved phytochemical composition. Materials and Methods - For the present study, Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba (L.)) have been selected as herbal drug. A thorough study has been carried out of Leaf, Stem and Root of Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba (L.)) Cultivated throughHydroponics System - Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) including its macroscopical and microscopical (pharmacognostical) studies. Observation & Result - In the present study Pharmacognostical Identification of Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba (L.)) was done which includes macroscopical and microscopical features. The Leaf of Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba (L.)) Cultivated through Hydroponics System - Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) was greenish, oblong-laceolate, pubescent in touch and characteristic odour. In the transverse section of the leaf, several features were observed, including upper epidermis, lower epidermis, vascular bundle, trichomes, Palisade cells, and collenchyma. The stem was greenish brown, pubescent in touch and odourless. In the transverse section of the stem, several features were observed, including Epidermis, Endodermis, Pericyclic fibre, Phloem, Xylem and Pith. The root was creamish brown, rough in touch and odourless. In the transverse section of the root, several features were observed, including in Xylem, Medullary rays, Phloem, Pericycle, Cavity, Cork, Cortex and Brown content. Conclusion: The structures which are observed here help in correct identification of Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba (L.)) In this study, Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba (L.)), cultivated through a hydroponic system using the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), was botanically compared with a standard reference. Brown content as a new structure was found during microscopy.

Keywords: Hydroponics, NFT (Nutrient Film Technique), Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba Linn.) Medicinal plants, Cultivation.